FREE Christmas events and activities in Dorset

Christmas is an expensive time so I have put together this list of FREE events and activities that you can do with the Children in December to help everyone out a bit.

Bournemouth Winter Wonderland 17th November - 1st December

Back for 2023 Bournemouth is once again home to a fantastic festive trail featuring replica Christmas trees from around the world plus a multitude of enchanting illuminations and installations.

Free Christmas Movies at Castlepoint

This year Castlepoint is putting on lots of activities as part of their Festive Point event.
Festive Point can be found on the lower level of Castlepoint near Mountain Warehouse.
The movies are completely free to watch.
2nd December 2pm - The Grinch
9th December 4pm - Home Alone
16th December 1pm - Christmas Carol
23rd December 2pm - Elf

Poole Maritime Lights Trail - 25th November - 2nd January

The Poole Maritime Lights Trail is back again this year.
The beautiful light displays run all along the Quay and up the high street.
For more information please visit their website.

Local Christmas Lights 

One of our favourite things to do is to drive around and see all the houses decorated for Christmas.
Some of the best local displays are at
Runton Road in Parkstone
Byron Road in New Milton
Corfe Castle
When you visit please park nearby not the street if you can and enjoy them by foot. 

Christmas at Colin's Nest Cafe, Poole - 20th December

Free Christmas event at Colin's nest cafe. Please visit their facebook page for more information.

Branksome & Rossmore Community Fridge 4th Birthday Party

Come and join and celebrate the 4th birthday of the community fridge! FREE cupcakes for all and FREE wrapped gifts for the children. Come and find out how the community fridge can help you.

Santa's helpers at West Howe community fridge with FREE gifts

Visit the Henry Brown Youth Centre to find out about the community fridge and receive a FREE present from Santa's helpers.
Please note Santa will not be present at this event.
Please visit their facebook page for more information.

Christmas Cooking Workshops 18th & 19th December West Howe

​The Friendly Food Club are back at the Henry Brown for FREE Christmas cooking!
These family cooking sessions are always really popular, so early booking is essential.
Monday 18th December and Tuesday 19th December
11am - 1pm
Email [email protected] to book, with the number of adults and children you wish to book for, any allergies or dietary requirements, and a contact phone number.
These sessions are in conjunction with Dorset Community Foundation, thanks to their generous funding.

FREE Face Painting at Bournemouth Christmas Market

FREE festive face painting by Pixie Paint & Laurie Lloyd at the Alpine Lodge in Bournemouth Square.
3rd, 10th and 17th December 11am-1pm.

Artic Adventure - Poole Dolphin Centre

Join in all throughout December for stories, games, and winter crafts in the snowy wonderland that'll make the season merry and bright for your little explorers.
It's a free, first come, first served experience.
Sunday 10th
Thursday 14th
Saturday 16th
Sunday 17th
Monday 18th
Tuesday 19th
Wednesday 20th
Thursday 21st
Friday 22nd
Saturday 23rd
Opening Hours:
​Monday to Sunday,
excluding Thursday: 11 – 4 pm
Thursday: 2pm – 7pm

Please visit their website for more information.

If you know of any other FREE local events please do leave a comment so that others can find out about them too.
All information is correct at time of publishing, please check with event providers before travelling to events.
I hope you all have a wonderful christmas making memories with your little ones.